The Foreign Terrorist List

This thread follows the creation, revision, and renewal of the United States foreign terrorist organization list through October 2001.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Designations

First Designations An official list begins The appendix reports that Madeleine Albright approved the first list of thirty foreign terrorist organizations in October 1997. A continuing legal process The list is presented as a formal designation system rather than a one-time announcement.

Renewal and Removal

Renewal and Removal Reviewing the first list Albright renewed twenty-seven designations in October 1999 and permitted three organizations to be removed. Criteria matter The removals are explained by ceased terrorist activity and failure to continue meeting the statutory criteria.

New Organizations Added

New Organizations Added Additions over time The Secretary of State designated Al-Qaeda in 1999 and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in 2000. An evolving register The sequence shows that the list could change as authorities assessed organizations under the legal framework.

The Published Register

The Published Register A formal snapshot The appendix reproduces the foreign terrorist organization list as established on October 5, 2001, with twenty-eight entries. Policy made visible The published register gives the designation system a concrete public form, while the procedures behind decisions remain partly confidential.

Powell's Renewal

Powell's Renewal A revised total Colin Powell renewed twenty-six of the twenty-eight designated organizations in October 2001. Consolidating names Two groups previously listed under separate names, Kach and Kahane Chai, were combined in the updated accounting.

October 1997

October 1999

During 1999 and 2000

October 5, 2001

October 2001